'Departure of Alija Behmen represents a great loss for the entire society'

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Following the death of prominent member, official and statesman Alija Behmen, the Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its deepest condolences to the family of our comrade, all his friends and acquaintances.

- The departure of Alija Behmen represents a great loss for the entire Bosnian-Herzegovinian society. Alija Behmen did not just live for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alija Behmen lived Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alija Behmen was not just a politician. Alija Behmen was a statesman, an uncompromising fighter for an open Bosnia and Herzegovina.

That is why his departure is a great loss for all of us. Bosnia and Herzegovina has lost a great statesman, Sarajevo has lost one of its warmest hosts, Herzegovina has lost one of its finest sons. The Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina has lost all of that and much more. We have lost one of our most recognizable symbols, the embodiment of social democracy, we have lost our great comrade.

For all of us who knew him personally, Alija Behmen will be remembered for his modesty, simplicity and the human warmth he exuded.

His tireless struggle and contribution to the renewal of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a democratic society of equal people remains a lasting reminder of his life and work.

For all of us who wish to build a society better than today's, there remains a permanent obligation to preserve the memory of the character and work of Alija Behmen as an example.

The funeral of Alija Behmen will take place on Friday, August 3rd at the Bare cemetery at 3:00 PM.